Timing chain failure (3.5L V6)
noisy, rattling, or whining coming from the engine
Check engine light: On
The best-documented problem on this generation is timing chain failure (chains, chain guides, tensioners, and sprockets) on the 3.5L V6 engine, reported independently at least 4 times. A dealer quote calls this "a problem area for the 3.5 v6" — and it is not covered by a recall. Two documented repair costs, $1,100 and $1,573, set the range shown here. In the large majority of cases this presents as noise (rattling, whining, looseness) well before anything catastrophic. One much more severe NHTSA complaint describes an engine fire from this same failure mode left unaddressed — a worst-case outcome of ignoring the early warning signs, not the typical one. Timing chain problems commonly trigger timing-related fault codes, so it usually sets a check-engine light.
$1,100 – $1,57373,000–144,460 mi
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Camshaft position sensor failure
typical sensor-fault symptoms
Check engine light: On
A camshaft position sensor (Bank 1) failure, documented at $900 at 57,000 miles — comparatively minor and inexpensive relative to the timing chain issue above. We've widened that single figure into a $720 - $990 range. Sensor faults like this typically trigger a check-engine light.
$720 – $99057,000 mi
single documented figure ($900) widened ±10-20% into a range.
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Oil pan gasket / oil cooler leaks
an oil leak, in one report specifically traced to a rusted oil cooler line
Check engine light: Off
Oil pan gasket and oil cooler leaks show up with a documented cost range of $750 to $600. Reported between 67,700 and 80,000 miles. One report specifically noted rusting of the oil cooler line. This is a mechanical oil-leak fault, not a sensor or emissions issue, so it doesn't typically trigger a check-engine light.
$750 – $1,27567,700–80,000 mi
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Valve cover gasket leak
an oil leak from the rear valve cover
Check engine light: Off
One documented rear valve cover gasket leak (spark plugs also replaced at the same time) at $400, reported at 121,520 miles. We've widened that into a $320-$440 range. This is a mechanical oil-leak fault, so it doesn't typically trigger a check-engine light.
$320 – $440121,520 mi
single documented figure ($400) widened ±10-20% into a range.
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Catalytic converter fault code
a check engine light for one cylinder bank that persists even after a reset
Check engine light: On
One documented case of a catalytic converter fault code for one cylinder bank, persisting even after being reset, at 136,000 miles — no repair cost was given in the available data. Catalytic converter and emissions-related fault codes directly set a check-engine light by definition, so this is marked On.
136,000 mi
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Low pressure AC hose leak at crimped connection
AC refrigerant leak at a crimped connection on the low-pressure hose
Check engine light: Off
AC refrigerant leak at a crimped connection on the low-pressure hose. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 168 owner reports on file.
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Transmission slipping or hard shifting, potential mechanical defect
Transmission slips or shifts hard, suggesting a mechanical defect
Check engine light: On
Transmission slips or shifts hard, suggesting a mechanical defect. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 138 owner reports on file.
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Check engine light due to failed ignition coil
Check engine light from a failed ignition coil
Check engine light: On
Check engine light from a failed ignition coil. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 103 owner reports on file.
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Leaking power steering pump, noise and steering problems
Power steering pump leaks, causing noise and steering problems
Check engine light: Off
Power steering pump leaks, causing noise and steering problems. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 93 owner reports on file.
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Idle speed control motor failure, can damage ECU
Idle speed control motor fails, risking ECU damage
Check engine light: Off
Idle speed control motor fails, risking ECU damage. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 57 owner reports on file.
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Corrosion of ground inside mass air flow sensor
Corrosion at the ground connection inside the mass air flow sensor
Check engine light: On
Corrosion at the ground connection inside the mass air flow sensor. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 50 owner reports on file.
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Engine performance problems from crankshaft position sensor failure
Engine performance problems traced to a failed crankshaft position sensor
Check engine light: On
Engine performance problems traced to a failed crankshaft position sensor. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 43 owner reports on file.
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Wiring harness damage near right strut tower
Wiring harness damage located near the right strut tower
Check engine light: Off
Wiring harness damage located near the right strut tower. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 32 owner reports on file.
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Vehicle speed sensor failure, speedometer stops working
Speedometer stops working due to a vehicle speed sensor failure
Check engine light: Off
Speedometer stops working due to a vehicle speed sensor failure. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 30 owner reports on file.
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The best-documented problem on this generation is timing chain failure on the 3.5L V6 — a dealer quote calls it "a problem area for the 3.5 v6" engine, and it's reported independently at least 4 times. In the large majority of cases this shows up as noise (rattling, whining) rather than anything catastrophic; a single, much more severe NHTSA complaint describes an engine fire from the same failure mode left unaddressed — a worst-case outcome rather than the typical one.